TV Producer, Alton Native Vernardos Dies

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ST. LOUIS (KMOX/CBS Radio) – He wasn’t “The Alton Giant,” but a giant personality from Alton, Ill. who made it big in radio and television news.

CBS News correspondent Elaine Quijano says Lane Vernardos died suddenly of a heart attack, Friday night, at his home in Hawaii, “During his long career he was executive producer of the CBS Evening News and a vice president for hard news, then executive producer of “Survivor” and “The Biggest Loser,” winning 13 Emmy Awards. We here remember his larger than life personality and great sense of humor. Lane Vernardos was 67 years old.”

CBS Radio news reporter and Granite City, Ill. native Peter Maer said in a Twitter posting Saturday that he was saddened by Vernardos’ death and that their friendship dated back to tiny southern Illinois radio stations where they launched their careers.

A 1962 graduate of Alton High School, Vernardos is survived by four adult children.